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Your baby at 5 – 6 weeks: development milestones & what to expect
Learn what to expect at 5–6 weeks – from tummy time and first smiles to postnatal check-ups, recovery tips, and baby health checks.
6 min
Hopefully by the time your little one is a month old, you’ll find yourself getting a bit more into the swing of things – and perhaps wondering how you used to fill your days before you had to change your and their outfit multiple times, on top of nappies, feeding, soothing, and socialising.
By 5 – 6 weeks, your baby really is much more aware of what’s going on around them and it’s fun to see what might take their interest – whether that’s a particular sound they like, the washing blowing on the line, or perhaps something attached to their play mat. If time feels like it’s passing too quickly, make sure you take plenty of photos and why not write a few notes to remind you what was special about this time. Your future self will thank you for it.
Physical development milestones from 5 – 6 weeks
It’s common for your little one to have a growth spurt between 4 and 6 weeks – although to be honest it can feel like one long constant growth spurt from the day they’re born. They should be looking a little less like a wrinkly newborn and more like a chunky baby. If you have any concerns about your baby’s weight gain, remember you can make an appointment with your health visitor or GP at any time – you don’t have to wait for scheduled appointments.
Your little one’s eyesight is also improving, and they can now use both eyes together and even start tracking moving objects. That means your baby might start watching your every move – a great opportunity for playtime!
Another side effect of improved vision is that your 6-week-old will start showing a clear preference for your face over anyone else’s – and you may also be getting a few smiles. Gorgeous!
Milestone checklist
- Tracking movements – If your little one is moving their head to watch you, they might also enjoy watching you move toys or colourful cloths around.
- Smiling – Nothing beats a gummy smile from your little wonder. Soak it in.
- Growth spurt – If you haven’t been keeping track of their weight, you’ll get an update at their 6-week check.
Child brain development at 5 – 6 weeks
Between 4 and 6 weeks, your baby might be going through a ‘leap’ in their brain development, which can show up in an unusual level of fussiness. This is due to the additional stimulation your baby’s developing senses are receiving, which can be overwhelming.
It’s great to support their new interest in the world around them, but it’s important to remember this overstimulation can be uncomfortable for them, so provide lots of cuddles, plenty of rest, and keep play time to a minimum. You’ll soon learn to read their cues – for instance, turning their head into your body so they don’t have to look any more – and know when it’s time to calm things down again.
Play can involve different textures, gentle sounds like singing, looking for different patterns in the house or outside, or tummy time or time on their backs with a few toys. Keep it short to avoid them getting overtired, and keep toys to a minimum. Babies of this age don’t need a lot of choice.
Social & Emotional Development
You and your partner are your baby’s Most Important People, and now that they can recognise you and focus on you, it’s a great age to get closer. Make sure you’re sharing the load with your partner – not least so that you get a break! – so that you both have the opportunity to bond with your baby through loving touch, gentle massage, singing and chatting. Try to spend some time every day focusing all your attention on your baby, with lots of eye contact.
Sleep & Feeding
Rhythms and routines at this stage
Feeding should have fallen into a more predictable pattern by this age, but there’s a good chance that progress will feel like it’s coming undone while your little one goes through a physical and mental leap. Don’t lose heart – it’s a temporary blip, and you’ll soon be back to your regular routine. That being said, don’t be led by routine – you’re still feeding on demand at this stage, whether you’re breast or bottle feeding.
Some babies are sleeping through the night by 6 weeks, but this is very much the exception and not the rule. If you’re lucky enough to have one of these unicorn babies, that’s wonderful – now quick, get some sleep! For everyone else, take heart from the fact parents across the world are going through the same thing you are. Keep night feeds as boring as possible, to avoid your little one getting the idea it’s fun to keep you up all night long. Share the load with your partner as much as possible.
Cluster feeding
At any point in the first few months of your baby’s life, you may experience periods of more intensive feeding, where your little one wants to feed All The Time. This is known as cluster feeding and is a normal developmental behaviour for young babies, helping them keep up the nutrients they need for all the growing they’re doing.
Cluster feeding can be absolutely draining for parents – especially if you’re breastfeeding. Does it help to know it should only last a few days? Probably not, when you’re in the thick of it. But we promise it won’t always be like this.
Bedtime routine
By 5 – 6 weeks you are probably all ready for more of a routine, and bedtime is a great place to start. The gradual wind-down of a relaxing bath and last feed before bed, and perhaps even a story, can be soothing for all of you after a long day – and more importantly helps your little one understand: this is bedtime. To set the tone, keep bathtime relaxing and quiet rather than a sensory explosion, and make sure you’re prepared with a warm towel and fresh PJs to avoid that abrupt exit into cold air!
If you’re trying to separate feeding from sleeping, try feeding your little one and then singing them a lullaby or reading them a story before putting them in their cot. This also gives you time to get all that wind up before you put them down on their back.
Appointments in this period
Both you and your baby will have your 6-week check around now. This is a good opportunity to ask your healthcare professional any questions you have about your health and your baby’s development, so go prepared by writing things down so you don’t forget when you’re in there.
The doctor will ask how you’re feeling, check your blood pressure, and ask about contraception. They may also ask about vaginal discharge, whether your periods have returned, and if you want an examination to see how your stitches have healed, if you had any. Talk to your doctor if you’re having any issues with incontinence, any remaining pain from giving birth, and if you’re suffering with low mood or anxiety.
Your baby’s 6 – 8 week check will cover their eyes, heart, hips and (for boys) testicles, as well as weight, length and head circumference. They’ll also talk through the important vaccinations offered at 8, 12 and 16 weeks, 12 months old and before your little one starts school.
Looking after yourself
If you’ve been fairly housebound so far, this is a good time to start getting out into the world and socialising again. Seeing friends and family, and making new friends, will be a real lifeline while you’re home with your baby. Even in these fussy weeks, a change of scenery will do you the world of good. Aim to get out for at least a little while every day, even if you’re only popping to the shop or into the garden. Nature is full of wondrous chemicals that literally make you feel better. Plus, if you’re finding your little one a struggle it can be nice to hand them over to someone else to fuss over for a little while!
At 6 weeks, there are plenty of baby groups you can join – like baby massage, baby sensory, or even baby yoga. These groups are nearly always a bit chaotic and there’s usually at least one baby who really objects to the whole thing, but it’s a great opportunity to meet parents in similar situations to you – giving you access to friends who understand what you’re going through.
If you really can’t bring yourself to go out, or you’re finding it difficult to find the joy in things, it might be time for a little mental health check-in. Take the opportunity to talk to your healthcare professional during your 6-week check, if you like – but don’t feel obliged to wait until then if you need more urgent support.
A Note on Development Milestones
Developmental milestones are guides – not deadlines. If your baby isn’t ‘keeping up’ with your friends’ babies, it isn’t an immediate cause for concern. Every child develops at their own pace. That being said, your health visitor and GP are there to support you with any queries you might have and will always be happy to see you with your baby if you have any worries.
